Epiphone Explorer VS Gibson Explorer (direct comparison)

While there are a few similarities between these two guitars on the spec sheet, there's zero similarities on the pricing charts.

The Gibson version of the Explorer is just under $2000 while the Epiphone version sits at $650. As such, these two guitars are clearly meant for two different types of guitar players. The Gibson is for pro-level players that know the guitar market and are confident about what they want to buy, while the Epiphone version is for beginners or intermediate players who might still be exploring their tastes in the instrument.

This makes it a hard comparison, because the Epiphone Explorer isn't really trying to compete with the Gibson version, or even trying to be a lower-tiered alternative.

Simply put, the Gibson Explorer is for pros while the Epiphone Explorer is for beginners to early intermediates.

Epiphone Explorer VS Gibson Explorer (comparison tool)

You can see for yourself in this comparison table. Use it to check pricing and some basic specs for these two guitars. Notice the difference in pickups with the Gibson Burstbuckers in the Gibson Explorer.

There's also a clear disparity in tone between these two guitars, with the Gibson Explorer producing a more full and rich-sounding tone profile. The Epiphone isn't bad, but it's definitely not meeting the threshold set by the Gibson Burstbucker pickups and the Mahogany body.

Both Explorer Specs, Side by Side

It's true that both guitar's bodies are made of Mahogany, but it's important to keep in mind that not all tonewoods are the same, even if they come from the same type of tree. There are different grades of wood quality that are almost never shown in guitar spec sheets, but they make a huge difference in the price. In other words, don't see "Mahogany" for both guitars and assume that's the same. They're very different.

Also, note that the ProBucker-2 and ProBucker-3 are sort of Epiphone's stock version of the Gibson Burstbucker set.

Summary of Comparison

Between these two guitars, it should be clear that the Gibson Explorer is the nicer instrument, and it's not close.

However, that still leaves room for the Epiphone Explorer in certain contexts.

For beginners or perhaps those looking for a second guitar as an intermediate player to upgrade their first guitar, the Epiphone Explorer is a good option. We just would never say that the two are "essentially the same" because they are definitely not.

Gibson makes excellent instruments and spares no expense with their Les Paul, SG, and Explorer models.

Go with the one that makes more sense for you and your budget, but never confuse the two.

Your Questions

Do you have questions about the Gibson Explorer or Epiphone Explorer?

If so, drop us a line in the comments section and we'll help as much as possible.

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